BulldozerBegins Reviews

Murder by the Book (2006– )

A spectacular program with few bumps

[8/10 · 7 April 2008]

While the twists and turns of the plots are to be expected, the only time the amazing-factor of the show takes a timeout is when the pace slows to advertise the author who is hosting the episode. But in spite this, it's a compelling show that easily holds its own both in entertainment value and in educational value; even while facing fierce competition from similar shows like "Body of Evidence," "Power, Privilege and Justice," "The Investigators," and "Forensic Files." I could almost effortlessly describe it as the second-best show on truTV.

Watch it some time. Unless you're a hard-nosed spam hater, or are simply too squeamish around re-enactments of violent crime, (or a killer likely to feature on the program yourself); you won't be significantly disappointed, if at all.

Power Rangers Operation Overdrive (2007)

Not the Greatest, but Certainly Not the Worst

[6/10 · 5 February 2008]

Overdrive was, to say the least, a modest effort at an adaptation of Boukenger. The Zords are not as impressive as in earlier seasons, and the pyrotechnics lack the variety and logic that made previous seasons (almost) more believable. Plenty of plot twists abound in this storyline. Also unique are the variety of locations and variety of villains. Such diverse variety of either has not been seen in the series since Time Force (locations) and In Space (locations and villains).

The actors voicing the Rangers, as usual, lack the ability to pull off a convincing job of acting in a way that impresses anyone older than the intended audience of boys ages 7-12.

Without giving away too much, there is countless recycling of material in this series; as pieces of equipment, costumes, zord parts, and locations are recycled from everything from MMPR Season 2 to Turbo to In Space to Mystic Force.

It is obvious that the writer for this season was trying very hard to both appeal to nostalgic tastes to win back adult viewers who fondly remember the old show and keep it new and fresh for the children of these early era viewers. It would almost appear he was trying too hard and the show was pulling itself in too many directions. But overall, a modest effort given the intended audience.

Lost (2004–2010)

Better Than Expected!

[4 November 2004]

From the beginning, I and others have had doubts about this show. Plane crashes. Crew of survivors on island. They have to learn to get along with one another. Can the transceiver rescue them? We have here a plot initiation here reminiscent of Lord of the Flies, Survivor, Jurassic Park 3, and A Cry in the Wild, but it does eventually take a route unlike any of these.

Some have said the characters would be predictable. I've found that while they might start as just archetypes, you very quickly learn how they got that way...often times through avenues anything but what was expected. And yet, the show continually keeps you guessing as to exactly HOW they got all to where they are, and you never fully figure them out in just one episode.

The mystical element is ideal for asking philosophical questions. What is this "monster" that ate the pilot? Why are there two sides to everyone? It's almost obvious from the first commercial that the pilot will get eaten/mutilated or something along those lines. Will anybody else be put through a process of elimination? The island seems to "know" what flaws lie in each of them. How?

This show is a very exciting thrill ride in itself, with characters that could easily be anyone you know, easy to care for them, and yet, you never know them as well as you think you do.

I honestly have not seen another show quite like this one.